Home Blog Page 310

Yggdrasil powers up the reels with GoldStorm Ultra

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Yggdrasil powers up the reels with GoldStorm Ultra

Yggdrasil reinvents a casino staple with GoldStorm Ultra, featuring dual free spin modes and high-volatility win potential.

Featuring 20 paylines, the 5×3 game features lighting gameplay with classic symbols such as Lucky 7s, Bells, and Bars complemented by wilds that can also have random multipliers, and the high paying Star icon.

Whenever a Free Spins or Super Free Spins symbol lands, it will add to the collection meters either side of the icon at the top of the reels. If 50 of the same scatters are collected during a play session, then the corresponding Free Spin mode is triggered.

Regular Free Spins will award 10 spins, with two reel sets visible on screen, with only the top one active. The collection meter remains active, with 14 green scatters required to add five more spins, while 14 pink scatters will unlock the bottom grid and award the additional spins.

If the Super Free Spins is activated, both grids are active from the start, doubling win potential. 40 pink symbols are required to land for five more spins to be added. In both bonus modes, all wilds remain sticky for the duration.

GoldStorm Ultra becomes the newest addition to Yggdrasil’s core gaming portfolio, which incorporates a range of mechanics, themes, and playstyles to cater to varying demographics across regulated markets.

Tomasz Kowalik, Head of Games Production at Yggdrasil, said: “GoldStorm Ultra combines a classic fruit-machine style artwork and feel with a couple of electrifying bonus rounds that supercharge win potential. With a collection meter required to trigger the Free Spins, its unique playstyle is set to boost player engagement and keep them coming back for a thrilling experience.”

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Hong Kong legalizes basketball betting in boon to HKJC

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Hong Kong legalizes basketball betting in boon to HKJC
Good Morning. Nothing but net…profit. Hong Kong has now legalized basketball betting in a sweeping change that vastly expands sports betting options in the city beyond horse racing and soccer. The move opens up a whole new door for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which will serve as the sole licensee, adding to its impressive portfolio. Meanwhile, things are not going so well in Thailand – at least for casino gaming, as the new Prime Minister makes it plain that casino legislation is not on his political agenda. But the new leader has gone further, indicating that poker could also be on the chopping block.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

HONG KONG

BASKETBALL BETTING HONG KONG

Gov’t legalizes basketball betting

The Hong Kong Jockey Club is about to benefit from a whole new revenue stream, as the SAR’s government has passed legislation that legalizes basketball betting. While expected, the move is a positive sign of the open outlook of officials towards highly regulated legal sports betting, helping to improve player protection, maximize tax revenue and keep punters away from the black market.

Corporate Spotlight

90-Day Playbook for Winning Asia’s Gaming Market | GR8 Tech

GR8 Tech, Kate Pozdnysheva

Every operator can launch, but few can lead. In Asia, leadership is won in the 90 days after go-live, when payments feel effortless, content resonates locally, and every touchpoint builds trust.

Why Asia’s iGaming operators must rethink risk strategy | SEON

SEON,Winning Trust, Stopping Fraud: Why Asia’s iGaming Operators Must Rethink Risk Strategy

Winning Trust, Stopping Fraud. Asia Pacific’s iGaming market is expanding extremely fast, and a new wave of digital-savvy players is pushing demand through the roof. But the rise in adoption has outpaced regulation in many markets, and fraudsters have taken notice.

Industry Updates

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS

Aristocrat Leisure announces new leadership changes

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Aristocrat Leisure announces new leadership changes

Aristocrat has announced new leadership changes, with its Aristocrat Interactive CEO Moti Malul to step down from March 2026, to be succeeded by Dylan Slaney.

The group notes that Malul ‘successfully led NeoGames through its acquisition by Aristocrat, and steered the creation of the Aristocrat Interactive business over the past 18 months’.

Aristocrat gaming defines itself as the ‘premier global platform and service provider for the regulated online RMG industry’.

Dylan Slaney
Dylan Slaney

The incoming CEO joins Aristocrat after holding the role of CEO at rival Light & Wonder’s iGaming business. He also formerly worked with HYX, SG Digital and in global customer data science.

The company has also announced the change of its Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, with Natalie Toohey to step down. Toohey had spent nearly seven years in the role and will be succeeded by Barry French.

Both Slaney and French will report directly to Aristocrat Group CEO Trevor Croker, and will join the Executive Steering Committee. Slaney will be based in London and French in Las Vegas.

Speaking of the hirings, Croker noted “I am delighted to welcome leaders of the calibre of Dylan and Barry to the Aristocrat executive team. Both are values-led leaders with collaborative and customer-centric mindsets.”

Strong Macau GGR in August helps boost gaming tax to $1B

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Strong Macau GGR in August helps boost gaming tax to $1B

Macau’s government collected an impressive MOP8.5 billion ($1.06 billion) in gaming tax in August, as the city’s gaming operators saw a record-breaking post-COVID performance.

According to official data, the figure places gaming tax collection during the first eight months of the year at MOP61.88 billion ($7.72 billion), a 5.27 percent increase from the same period of 2024.

The gaming mecca has seen a very strong rebound in gaming revenues this year, with August itself showing a 12.2 percent increase, to MOP22.15 billion ($2.76 billion), boosted by an impressive events array and strong promotional efforts.

Macau August GGR reaches post-COVID high, totaling $2.77B

Cumulative GGR through August topped MOP163.05 billion ($20.34 billion), a yearly increase of 7.2 percent, helping significantly increase the taxation revenue for the government during the period.

Under Macau’s 10-year gaming concession system, which came into effect on January 1st of last year, the effective tax rate on casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) stands at 40 percent.

1xBet to host elite partner event: Legends of the Game at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
1xBet to host elite partner event: Legends of the Game at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025

Global betting company 1xBet will host an exclusive industry gathering at SBC Summit Lisbon’s iconic La Distilleria. On September 16, Lisbon will be immersed in an atmosphere of mystery to welcome leading iGaming industry professionals and 1xPartners affiliates.

The party will be held in the format of a quest. Guests will embark on an exciting journey through four uniquely themed zones inspired by playing card suits. In each location, they will receive a card or artefact that will guide them to the final Hall of Legends room.

The event’s special guest will be football legend Claude Makélélé, a former player for Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and the France national team. Every 1xBet partner will have the chance to meet this global star.

1xBet powers SBC Summit Lisbon 2025 with premium sponsorship and exclusive events

The party will be elevated by a musical performance from the iconic disco group Boney M. Legendary hits like Daddy Cool, Rivers of Babylon, and Rasputin will contribute to the mysterious and enigmatic atmosphere.

A harmonious blend of industrial charm, historic architecture, and lush gardens will fully immerse guests in the party’s theme. The event will become a laboratory of illusions — an environment of theatrical performance and surrealism, echoing the works of Salvador Dalí. At the same time, every corner of the venue will be infused with the spirit of the game.

Legends of the Game by 1xBet will unite key figures in the iGaming industry, turning every informal connection into a potential business breakthrough and a basis for long-term partnerships. 

New Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul rejects gambling as an economic driver, vows no casino policy

Viviana Chan
-
0
New Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul rejects gambling as an economic driver, vows no casino policy

Thailand’s newly appointed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ruled out the prospect of legalizing casinos during his tenure, marking the first time he has clarified his stance since assuming office.

Speaking to local media, Anutin stressed that gambling would not be used as a tool to stimulate the economy. “If someone says gambling can stimulate the economy, I’d say wait for another prime minister,” he said. “Don’t wait for me, as I don’t agree with this approach. While I was interior minister, I also said poker shouldn’t be allowed. But once I left, they went ahead with it. We must bring righteousness and justice back to our nation.”

Anutin officially took office on September 5th, following the removal of former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, whose coalition government had championed casino legalization as part of its plan to develop entertainment complexes. That policy was effectively shelved in July, when Thailand’s House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to withdraw the Entertainment Complex Bill, a flagship initiative of Shinawatra’s Pheu Thai Party.

The new prime minister’s position stands in sharp contrast to that of his predecessor, who had envisioned as much as $42 billion in investment in integrated resorts. Instead, Anutin has signaled that gambling-related reforms — including the recognition of poker as a sport — could be rolled back. He indicated that he would review poker’s current legal status, a move that could undo policy changes introduced in July, when the Sports Authority of Thailand formally approved its classification as a sport.

Anutin has long been a vocal critic of casino legalization. In July, he warned that the casino plan could cause a 90 percent drop in Chinese tourist arrivals, claiming Beijing had strongly objected to Thailand’s proposals. He further alleged that Chinese President Xi Jinping had issued repeated warnings to the Thai government to abandon the initiative or risk consequences for tourism, trade, and investment.

MGM China increases 2025 service cap with Shun Tak to $25.6M amid rising demand

Viviana Chan
-
0
MGM China increases 2025 service cap with Shun Tak to $25.6M amid rising demand

MGM China Holdings has revised the annual cap under its master service agreement with Shun Tak Holdings, raising the 2025 limit from HK$180 million ($23.1 million) to HK$200 million ($25.6 million).

The revision, disclosed in a September 11th filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, reflects growing demand for offsite gaming accommodation and higher expected room purchases.

The increase applies to the Fourth Renewed Master Service Agreement, originally signed between MGM Grand Paradise and Shun Tak. The agreement, which covers services such as hotel room rentals, laundry, and property cleaning, was first renewed in December 2022 and runs through the end of 2025.

According to the filing, payments made by MGM China to Shun Tak reached HK$87.1 million ($11.2 million) in the first half of 2025. Historical payments amounted to HK$70.3 million ($9 million) in 2023 and HK$153.6 million ($19.7 million) in 2024. The company said that with the expected rise in accommodation demand through the remainder of the year, the previous cap would no longer be sufficient.

MGM China noted that the revised cap was set after taking into account historical transaction levels, estimated service demand for the remainder of 2025, and anticipated increases in room procurement.

The company emphasized that the terms of the agreement remain on normal commercial terms and at arm’s length, and that the transactions are in the ordinary course of business. Independent non-executive directors concluded the revised cap to be fair and reasonable, and in the interests of shareholders.

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong has classified Shun Tak as a connected person to MGM China by virtue of Chairperson and Executive Director Pansy Ho’s shareholdings and management roles in both companies. As such, the transactions constitute continuing connected transactions under Chapter 14A of the Listing Rules. However, because the revised cap remains below the 5 percent threshold, it is subject only to reporting, announcement, and annual review requirements, and is exempt from independent shareholder approval.

MGM China operates MGM Macau and MGM Cotai, while Shun Tak engages in hospitality, property, and transport businesses in Hong Kong and Macau.

Blueprint Gaming levels up its iconic series with Cash Strike Hotstepper 2

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Blueprint Gaming levels up its iconic series with Cash Strike Hotstepper 2

UK-based game studio Blueprint Gaming is taking one of its strongest internationally performing series to new heights in Cash Strike Hotstepper 2, with Super Strike and mystery symbols among the new additions designed to elevate the gameplay experience on offer.

With various iterations from the Cash Strike family consistently ranking in the supplier’s top 10 revenue-generating markets, the new release builds on the impressive momentum from its predecessor, with Cash Strike Hotstepper remaining the top Cash Strike release since its launch in June 2024.  

Turning attention to its successor, landing the newly introduced Super Strike symbol on the centre reel sees two additional Cash Strike symbols also added to the centre reel, enhancing players’ chances of securing cash and jackpot wins on the refined 3×3 fruit-themed reelset.

In the same vein, mystery symbols also mark their entrance to the Cash Strike series. Landing on reels one and/or three along with the Cash Strike symbol will trigger the new feature, which randomly awards one of the four fixed jackpots in play, reaching as high as 10,000x.

For slot enthusiasts on the hunt for further flames, Blueprint’s first September release also welcomes back Power Play. Available at 5 times the original bet, only Bonus symbols are in play, as well as Power Reels, which offer the chance of duplicate multipliers or cash prizes during Bonus play.

Cash Strike Hotstepper 2 showcases Blueprint Gaming’s commitment to enhancing its top-performing game series with captivating new features for operators’ players to enjoy across international markets.

Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR and Events, said: “The Cash Strike series continues to stand out globally, so it was important to hold on to the elements that players love, complemented by intriguing additions. With Hotstepper 2, we have built on the winning formula with new features like Super Strike, which deliver rich potential for lavish jackpot and cash prizes, making the title a fantastic addition to operators’ portfolios.”

iGP and BetComply join forces to strengthen compliance in global market expansion

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
iGP and BetComply join forces to strengthen compliance in global market expansion

iGP, the full-service iGaming platform, aggregator, and lottery provider, has partnered with regulatory consultancy BetComply to accelerate its strategy to expand its presence in regulated markets.

This marks a key milestone in iGP’s multi-year transformation project into a leading B2B iGaming solutions provider, following a strategic shift to become a purely B2B-focused business.

BetComply, the leading compliance advisory business, will provide iGP guidance across licensing applications, documentation preparation, internal controls, and technical compliance. This ensures iGP and its operator partners are fully equipped to launch and scale successfully in regulated markets.

The strategic collaboration adds further strength to iGP’s full-suite offering, which includes a feature-rich iGaming Platform, the next-generation iGaming Deck aggregator, turnkey casino and sportsbook offering, integrated crypto and retail capabilities, as well as the latest lottery solution. With BetComply’s expertise, iGP reinforces its ability to deliver long-term compliance assurance alongside the robust infrastructure operators depend on.

Having evolved from a fast-growing tech provider to a trusted partner for scalable growth, iGP empowers operators to expand with confidence and achieve sustainable success in competitive regulated markets.

Jovana Popovic Canaki, CEO at iGP, said: “Partnering with BetComply marks a significant milestone that underscores both our ambition and momentum. It strengthens iGP’s position as a serious player in regulated markets worldwide, and I’m immensely proud of the teams and partners who made this possible. With BetComply’s support, we are ready to deliver our technology and vision to operators across regulated markets. We look forward to announcing our new market launches shortly.”

Mike de Graaff, Chief Compliance Officer at BetComply, added: “We’re excited to support iGP as they target to expand into regulated markets. Our role is to ensure that iGP and its partners enter every jurisdiction on a strong and sustainable compliance foundation, giving operators the confidence to focus on growth.”

Paysecure introduces dynamic cashier, setting new standard for iGaming payment flexibility

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Paysecure introduces dynamic cashier, setting new standard for iGaming payment flexibility

Paysecure, an award-winning payment orchestration provider in iGaming, has unveiled its dynamic cashier product – the most customisable cashier solution on the market, providing operators with deep insights into user behaviour to improve conversion and reduce fraud.

The dynamic cashier solution empowers clients to completely control the look, feel and execution of the deposit and withdrawal process to enable seamless, multi-currency deposit and pay-out flows.

An enhanced cashier experience is designed to improve conversion by up to 7% and increase deposit value by up to 35%. It also enables operators to extend brand experience, localise and segment user flows, and gain deeper insights into player behaviour at the cashier stage. 

Operators will gain access to deep insights on player behaviour at the cashier, enabling them to continually optimise the experience to boost acceptance rates and reduce friction. Detailed cashier performance analysis on data points including cashier load times, error types and success rates – combined with advanced AI tools to monitor and flag performance improvement opportunities – equip payments teams to scale operations and reduce barriers for players.

The dynamic cashier product also allows operators to add personalised promotions and notifications at key touch points throughout the cashier experience, to help improve player engagement rates, reduce friction and provide a seamless journey to play. 

Operators are able to build their ideal cashier experience at speed via the Paysecure platform. With control over colours, logos, CTA buttons and more, teams are able to update and test updates in a sandbox environment, meaning improvements can be pushed live within minutes. 

Paysecure’s customisable cashier also allows operators to control taxation parameters, surcharge fees, transaction thresholds, and currency settings.

Viktoriia Degtiarova, CCO and Co-Founder at Paysecure, shared: “Our dynamic cashier solution gives operators unprecedented flexibility to transform the payments journey into a real competitive advantage. The cashier is where players decide whether to deposit, return and ultimately stay loyal, so delivering the right experience directly impacts conversion and lifetime value. With our fully customisable, dynamic cashier, operators can fully control the look and feel of their cashier to create seamless, on-brand journeys that resonate with players, while localising flows for different markets and segments.”

The dynamic cashier was designed with performance and reliability in mind, from faster checkouts and built-in smart routing to detailed insights on success rates, load times and player behaviour, providing means for operators to continually refine their strategy, boost acceptance from the first step and deliver frictionless, reliable payment experiences at scale. 

For iGaming businesses looking to strengthen brand resonance, drive repeat custom and unlock new growth, the dynamic cashier offers the most customisable and client-focused solution on the market.

Paysecure will be exhibiting at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025, stand E200, where the team will showcase its dynamic cashier and a suite of innovative iGaming payment solutions.

1...309310311...1,828Page 310 of 1,828